ruff ,
n :
A circular frill or ruffle on a garment, especially a starched, fluted frill at the neck in Elizabethan and Jacobean England (1560s–1620s). Anything formed with plaits or flutings like a frill. Senses relating to animals. Philomachus pugnax (syn. Calidris pugnax), a gregarious, medium-sized wading bird of Eurasia; specifically, a male of the species which develops a distinctive ruff of feathers and ear tufts during mating season (the female is called a reeve). (ornithology) A set of lengthened or otherwise modified feathers on or around the neck of a bird. (zoology) A collar of lengthened or distinctively coloured fur on or around the neck of an animal. (engineering) A collar on a shaft or other piece to prevent endwise motion. (obsolete) An exhibition of haughtiness or pride. (obsolete) Tumultuous or wanton conduct or procedure.
